Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.​

• Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing well to combine.​The Kitchn+2tasty.co+2dominosugar.com+2

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.​

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.​

• Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.​

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.​

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.​

• Using a 3 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.​

• Using a smaller round cutter (about 1 3/4-inch), cut out the centers of half of the larger circles to create rings. These will serve as the top layer of the snow globe.​

Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.​

• For the ring cookies, after 6-8 minutes of baking, remove them from the oven and fill the center with crushed isomalt or clear hard candies to create the “glass” effect. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the candy has melted.​

• Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before assembling.​Food Network

Prepare the Royal Icing:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.​Food Network+1dominosugar.com+1

• Add the water and vanilla extract, and beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.​

• Divide the icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired.​tasty.co

• Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips.​Food Network

Assemble the Snow Globe Cookies:

• Take a solid cookie base and pipe a thin line of royal icing around the edge.​

• Place a ring cookie with the candy center on top, aligning the edges.​For the Love of Food+3Family Around the Table+3dominosugar.com+3

• Fill the cavity with sprinkles or small edible decorations.​

• Pipe another line of icing around the edge of the ring cookie and place another solid cookie on top to seal the “globe.”​

• Decorate the top of the cookie with additional royal icing and sprinkles as desired.​

• Allow the assembled cookies to set for at least 1 hour before serving.​tasty.co+1Food Network+1